Lisa Sthalekar is cricketing legend with two World Cup victories under her belt and an esteemed member of the ICC Hall of Fame, recently unveiled her dream ODI XI by handpicking the first five players she would choose. Her experience places her in an ideal position to curate this dream team.
At the forefront of her selection stands Jasprit Bumrah from India. According to Sthalekar, Bumrah’s prowess as an opening bowler is pivotal in securing early wickets, an essential aspect of ODI success. Furthermore, his ability to excel in the death overs and even during the middle phase of the game makes him a versatile and indispensable asset to any team.
For the second spot in her lineup, Sthalekar singles out the iconic Virat Kohli. With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup hosted in India on the horizon, Sthalekar believes Kohli’s exceptional batting skills make him a dependable choice. The captain’s ability to deliver under immense pressure, particularly in front of his home crowd, could mark a fitting farewell in what may be his final World Cup appearance, all while making his nation proud.
Moving on to Pakistan, Sthalekar places her faith in Babar Azam for the third position. She envisions Babar scoring prolifically at the World Cup, attributing this to his adaptability and style, which suit the demands of the 50-over format. Babar’s leadership qualities and capacity to anchor the Pakistan batting lineup make him a linchpin for the team
Sthalekar’s fourth pick is the formidable Shaheen Afridi, a left-arm quick bowler from Pakistan. She highlights his game-changing abilities. His mastery of bowling during the death overs, honed through T20 cricket, is seen as a significant asset that will greatly influence Pakistan’s fortunes in the 50-over World Cup.
In essence, Lisa Sthalekar’s dream ODI XI is a blend of extraordinary talent, combining Bumrah’s bowling prowess, Kohli’s batting brilliance, Babar’s leadership, and Shaheen Afridi’s lethal bowling skills. These five players, according to Sthalekar, embody the ideal composition of a dream ODI team that will be successful in the world.
